About us

Who we are

Sending HOPE, LOVE, and JOY into central Ohio
— one family at a time.

Sending Hope Ohio is a nonprofit dedicated to helping fellow families spread HOPE, LOVE, and JOY into our greater central-Ohio communities through family-focused community service projects.

Our story

It started around a dinner table

Sending Hope Ohio was created around the Templin family dinner table in the fall of 2020. Suddenly finding themselves in a pandemic — separated from friends and loved ones and facing the holiday season alone — it would have been easy to focus on the negatives of the year. Instead, they decided to focus outward, giving their four children an opportunity to make the world a better place. Thus, Sending Hope Ohio was born.

We believe everyone, no matter their place in life, has the ability to change the world. We all have something unique and special to give: our time, creativity, friendship, empathy and understanding, a shared meal, or a hand-drawn picture in crayon by little hands.

Since the very beginning, the four Templin children have been the driving force of Sending Hope. What started with homemade cookies and cards to far-away family members and delivery drivers in a pandemic turned into inviting hundreds of friends and growing into a group reaching countless others. Every project has been inspired and contributed to by them, with the message that you have value and bring hope to the world.

All of us bring beauty to the world. Thank you for joining us in sending hope.

The four Templin children hugging together in a green field

Our team

The people behind the hope

Jessica, Judd, and their four children on the beach

Jessica & the Templin Family

Director & Founder

Jessica, Judd, and their four young children created Sending Hope Ohio in the fall of 2020. The Templin family lives in Granville, Ohio, and their greatest joy comes from the simple moments with their children — family dinners, nightly kitchen dance parties, and cuddles on the couch. From a young age, Jessica was inspired by her grandfather, Charles Fisher, a fierce advocate for religious and social diversity, and by her late sister, Amanda, to truly LIVE each moment.

Lexi

Vice-President of Project Development

From a young age I have always been passionate about working with children, guiding them to understand and embrace their true selves. I feel fortunate to be part of an organization founded by the Templin Four, whom I have admired for over a decade. Together, we strive to create a nurturing environment where children can share joy, learn, and grow. Being part of Sending Hope Ohio is a heartfelt commitment to making the world a better place for the next generation.

Beth Weakley

Treasurer

In both my career and personal life, I have always strived to be supportive and helpful to those around me. I am a mother to three and a nana to nine wonderful grandchildren, and I have always volunteered for organizations that support children and families. After retiring and feeling something was missing, I found what I was looking for when Jessica needed a Treasurer. I am honored to be part of Sending Hope and excited to see it grow.

Kelly McConnell

Independent Projects Chair

I have lived in Johnstown, Ohio since 2002, where I raised my three children. For the past 18 years my career has been in Medicaid Managed Care, where I get to directly impact programs many people rely on — through my work and through volunteerism and advocacy. As a single mom, I once relied on public service programs myself, so being able to impact them today brings my experiences full circle. Volunteering isn’t just something I do; I am unequivocally thankful to be a part of Sending Hope Ohio.

Ready to send some hope?

Explore this month’s projects or learn how your family can get involved.

Current Projects Give a Gift